Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes - Session 5: Difference between revisions
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Session 5 included two activities: | |||
# We screened the DNA in our bacteria for size | |||
# Although we didn't actually sequence the gene, we discussed the process for doing so. | |||
'''Size Screening''' | |||
To size screen our gene, we performed "Colony Screening PCR". First, we amplified the gene portion of our vector. This involved taking 8 samples of the bacteria using a toothpick and swirling each in its own vial contiaining 50μL of water. We then adding two primers (one for each end of the gene) and PCR master mix (nucleotides, Taq and buffer). These were then run through the PCR machine. The primers select the two ends of the emGFP gene so that just that portion of the vector gets amplified. The PCR machine starts out at a temperature of 95°C for 6 minutes to burst the bacteria. Then, the other items added can access the genetic material and the amplification can proceed. | |||
After the amplification was complete, we ran the samples through gel electrophoresis to identify samples that appeared to have genes of the correct length. | |||
Note: When taking sample bacterial colonies, we looked for locations where a colony was round in shape. That suggests that the colony grew from a single bacteria. Taking the sample just requires a gentle swab with the toothpick, not gouging the agar. Also, when working with live bacteria, we were advised to keep the vials capped to prevent airborne bacteria and other organisms from polluting our product. | |||
'''Sequencing''' | |||
[[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes - Session 4 | Previous]] | [[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes | Main Page]] | [[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes Glossary | Glossary]] | [[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes - Session 4 | Previous]] | [[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes | Main Page]] | [[Dave Gray's Build-A-Gene Class Notes Glossary | Glossary]] | ||
Revision as of 17:46, 25 August 2013
Session 5 included two activities:
- We screened the DNA in our bacteria for size
- Although we didn't actually sequence the gene, we discussed the process for doing so.
Size Screening
To size screen our gene, we performed "Colony Screening PCR". First, we amplified the gene portion of our vector. This involved taking 8 samples of the bacteria using a toothpick and swirling each in its own vial contiaining 50μL of water. We then adding two primers (one for each end of the gene) and PCR master mix (nucleotides, Taq and buffer). These were then run through the PCR machine. The primers select the two ends of the emGFP gene so that just that portion of the vector gets amplified. The PCR machine starts out at a temperature of 95°C for 6 minutes to burst the bacteria. Then, the other items added can access the genetic material and the amplification can proceed.
After the amplification was complete, we ran the samples through gel electrophoresis to identify samples that appeared to have genes of the correct length.
Note: When taking sample bacterial colonies, we looked for locations where a colony was round in shape. That suggests that the colony grew from a single bacteria. Taking the sample just requires a gentle swab with the toothpick, not gouging the agar. Also, when working with live bacteria, we were advised to keep the vials capped to prevent airborne bacteria and other organisms from polluting our product.
Sequencing
